Irish-American Heritage Month, 2008

Proclamation 8223 of February 29, 2008

Irish-American Heritage Month, 2008

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Since the earliest days of our Republic, Irish
Americans have enriched our culture with their faith,
values, and hard work. During the month of March, we
celebrate the contributions of Americans who trace
their ancestry back to Ireland's shores.

Many of the sons and daughters of Erin came to America
fleeing famine and poverty. They came with dreams of
opportunity, and they helped to build our democracy and
advance the cause of liberty. Irish Americans in all
walks of life have made lasting contributions to our
Nation, and we honor the service of Irish Americans in
America's Armed Forces. Throughout our history, those
claiming Irish ancestry have helped shape and
strengthen America, including as signers of the
Declaration of Independence and as Presidents of the
United States.

This month, we celebrate the patriotic and proud people
who originated from the Emerald Isle and who have
played a vital role in the story of this Nation of
immigrants.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United
States, do hereby proclaim March 2008 as Irish-American
Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to observe
this month by celebrating the contributions of Irish
Americans to our Nation.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-ninth day of February, in the year of our Lord
two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
second.